Rome - Grand Old Ruins

Rome must have been so grand in it's old days.

The Roman Forum began as a market place but became the economic, political and religious hub of Rome.
Wandering through the Roman Forum is such a thrilling adventure.

Palace of Septimius Severus at Palatine Hill - He was a Roman Emperor between 193 and 211 AD

Ancient Stadium on Palatine Hill - used for private games and events to entertain the Emperor.

Click on pics to enlarge

Related Posts:  The Colosseum

Links: The Roman Forum

Rome, Beautiful Rome - The Colosseum

Rome is one of my favourite cities in the world. There is something magical about the city and it is so beautiful.

I visited Rome in Jan 1994 and my dream is to visit again. In fact I know I will visit again.

Here is a picture of the Colosseum, Rome's iconic monument.

 I had to take 3 photos and stitch them together - wide angle lens not wide enough! and this was way before I owned my first digital camera.

Links:   The Colosseum, Rome

Other iconic monuments:   Mumbai's iconic monuments

The Empire State Building

Is the tallest building in New York and a visit to the top is a must. Though it takes hours to get to the top. The queues are always so long.

Here are pics of the building and views from the top.

Larnach Castle Dunedin

Not really a castle but more like a big mansion.

The tour inside was interesting. I enjoyed it. Reviews on trip advisor are however mixed. But I think it just depends on your interest whether you enjoy the inside or not.

The gardens were amazing and the views from the turret were spectacular.

Here are some pics (click on pics to enlarge)

the white bits on the grass are remnants of snow

view from the turret

Links:   larnachcastle.co.nz    tripadvisor reviews or larnach castle

Check out my other Dunedin posts:  Steepest street in the world    Cadbury Chocolate

Snow Snow Snow

It is absolutely freezing here in NZ. We even had snow fall today in my city and that's pretty rare.

So in keeping with the snow, here are my New York snowy pictures. These were taken the day after Christmas.

Looking at these pics takes me back in time to such a fun Christmas. The kid had fun too and loved the snow.

Also check out my other snowy pics:
The Tappan Zee Bridge
Playing in the Snow
The Bronx Zoo
Windows in Winter

A Tranquil Spot

Can't remember the name of this place, but it was somewhere on the way from Detroit to Chicago.

I made this trip with a very good friend from my schooldays. We had a lot of fun.

Whenever I look at this picture, I feel so serene. It's such tranquil spot.

Cadbury Chocolate

in Dunedin and Mumbai

History of the Cadbury chocolate in New Zealand

Inside the Cadbury Factory in Dunedin. The kid had a blast and took this picture. I had fun too.

Cadbury House in Mumbai

Christmas Lights

Thought I'd stay on the theme of Christmas.

Here are pics of Christmas lights in New York. They were fun to see. 

The kid loved the lights and was fascinated by them. The kid had never seen anything like this before.

Windows

Thought I'd post something quite different.

Here are two windows in New York's winter. And they bring back memories of a lovely Christmas.

Chicago by night

It was so cold that night in Chicago. My hands were freezing.

But you can't visit a city and not take pictures.

I think I stitched 3 photos together to make this panoramic view of Chicago. It came out pretty good. :)

The Chicago skyline is so different from New York's.

Vegetable Vendors

Vegetable vendors at your doorstep is a luxury but in Mumbai it's pretty routine.

Mumbai, a city of contrasts

Mumbai is truly a city of contrasts where poverty and affluence coexist, almost harmoniously.

I simply cannot imagine the city any other way.

This is what makes Mumbai an exciting city. 

And there's never a dull moment there.

The Eye of the Tiger - Teeing off

Through the tiger's tail.

A mini golf tournament at work had teams scurrying off to set up the perfect mini set.

So here is ours - The Eye of the Tiger - and we had music accompanying the tee off as well.

The tee off - the tiger's tail - a source of frustration for many

                                                           love the paw - the makeshift tee.

                                                                             the green